India’s fastest train trial run ends successfully

A semi high speed train built at an estimated cost of INR 15 crores has come as a blessing to tourists visiting the Taj Mahal. The first of its kind in the Indian railways, the train cuts down travel time from Delhi to Agra from an earlier 120 minutes to just 90 minutes.

The semi high speed train, equipped with an electric locomotive of 5400 hp set off at 10 am on Thursday from New Delhi station on its maiden journey to Agra with PK Vajpayee, Commissioner Railway Safety, Divisional Railway Managers of Delhi and Agra and other senior officials on board.

The passenger train set a new speed record of 200 kmph, 10 kmph more than previous record set by train in India. This train was tested across a special stretch of 27 kms along the track between Delhi and Agra. This corridor will be fenced off so as to restrict obstruction and ensure top speed. SRPF personnel were stationed along the route to take all precautions that the trial run went on efficiently.

As the new BJP Government plans on upgradation of the railway network, the New Delhi Agra semi high speed train is now the fastest train in India. Put to the test on a trial run the semi high speed Delhi-Agra train is expected to be introduced to the public by November this year. The Government also has plans to add similar trains for linking the capital with Kanpur and Chandigarh, while other means to augment the Indian Railway System are being planned.

Compared to the fastest trains around the world, this one does not feature in the top 10 list. But at the Railway Budget 2014, Modi led Government will reveal further information on high-speed rail corridors for India, which will decrease rail travel time in the future.